"So soon, my daughter?"
"My husband has sent for me; he will meet me at the railway station at twelve."
"Why did he not come himself?"
"He is ill; he has gone direct."
"The hour is late and the message is sudden. Are you satisfied?"
"I am anxious, reverend mother—"
"What is it, my daughter?"
"An old gentleman, a clergyman, Mr. Christian, is coming from Cumberland. I have expected him hourly, but he is not yet arrived. I cannot wait; I must rejoin my husband. Will you order that a message be left for the clergyman?"
"What is the message, my child?"
"Simply that I have returned with my husband by the train leaving St. Pancras at midnight."